About us

Ten years supporting principled humanitarian action

Founded in 2003 by Silvia Hidalgo, DARA is an independent non-profit organisation committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of humanitarian action for vulnerable populations affected by armed conflict and natural disasters.

Our evaluations, research and policy studies provide clear analyses and findings so that humanitarian actors can improve their performance

Through evaluations and research we encourage organisations to reflect on the impact of their work and help them take evidence-based decisions at the policy, strategy and programming levels, and in critical moments of delivering assistance.

In our work with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and other actors in over 60 crisis countries, too often we have found that the reality on the ground does not match political commitments and declarations.

Gaps in the delivery of humanitarian response include:

A lack of respect for humanitarian principles and space

Increased encroachment of political and military actors on the humanitarian domain